The Playground Podcast

Richard and Chris talk to Choon Ng, inventor of the Rainbow Loom and new CEO Chris Tidwell about the history of this phenomenon, how the company has grown, strategies for keeping kids engaged and the always-present challenge of fighting infringements and knock-offs. It's a great story, and Choon's management philosophy: "I want to have fun." is an inspiration for everyone.  In The Endcap Chri...

In this important and insightful episode, Richard and Chris talk with Eric Pliner, CEO of YSC Consulting about what today's managers can learn from the current political, employee and public image crisis at Disney. Pliner's insights on the changing nature of ethics and employment are essential for anyone who wants to function effectively in the contemporary market. Pliner previously appeared on Th...

Richard and Chris talk to Andrew Yanofsky and Syndey Wiseman of WowWee, both second generation toy people. More than just a legacy, however, these dynamic professionals are at the forefront of product development, research, consumer knowledge and leveraging new media platforms to develop enthusiastic communities of consumers. Their great perspectives and insights and their passion for toys as a ne...

Producer Brian Volk-Weiss joins Richard and Chris for a second time. This time to talk  about the launch of his new toy company--Nacelle Toys. Brian is the producer of the successful Netflix series The Toys that Made Us and A Toy Store Near You , now entering its fourth season. In this lively conversation, Brian talks about the decision to roll out toys based on The Great Garloo, Robo Force a...

In this special episode, Richard and Chris largely turn over the mic to Jay Foreman, chairman of the Toy Association Trade Show Committee. He lays out the case for the September Toy Fair in New York in light of the changing dynamics of the industry, the needs of manufacturers, buyers, and more, and the historic shift in the show that this move represents.  Foreman makes compelling cases and d...

Richard and Chris speak with Christian Braun of HobbyDB , the global hobby and collectibles database about collecting, what creates value, and best practices for companies that want to be in the collectible or limited edition business. They talk about what makes this sector different from traditional toy development and marketing, and such issues as "completion" and the reality that sometimes buil...

This conversation about the recently announced move of New York Toy Fair to September 2023 looks at the challenges, opportunities and the industry-wide implications of this move. Richard and Chris talk about what it might mean for companies of all sizes and how the move reflects the dynamic toy business.   The Playground Podcast is supported by Global Toy Experts , The Toy Guy , and ChizComm...

Richard and Chris talk with Thomas Kaeppeler, president of Ravensburger North America about the puzzle business and hot it all fits together in this dynamic environment. From puzzler personas to the hit (non-puzzle) toy Gravitrax, Thomas provides insight, perspective and thoughts for the toy industry on the company's success. In the Endcap, Chris and Richard talk about the move of Toy Fair to Sept...

Richard and Chris talk to Steve Markey, newly named VP Sales and Marketing for Hog Wild Toys about the return of a Toy Fair in London, and what it means for the business, the emergence of alternative channels of retail, and the challenges and opportunities ahead in 2022. In The Endcap, Chris and Richard talk about the ongoing issue of the fate of New York Toy Fair. Will it stay in NYC? When will i...

In the second of their conversations recorded last November at the Strong Museum of Play in Rochesters, NY, Richard and Chris talk with games curator Nicolas Ricketts. Listen in as they talk about the histories of some of the games in the collection. From great stories about how the games were acquired to their impact on the culture, this lively conversation is a must-listen for anyone interested...

Richard and Chris talk with Sarah Baskin, Vice President of Marketing Communications for Far Out Toys . She talks about the evolution of this "new type of toy company," their major investment in content and music, and has great tips fo companies looking to implement a content strategy in the current marketplace. Her insights and advice are invaluable, and you'll want to listen in. In The Endcap, C...

The Playground Podcast begins its fourth season with the first of a series of conversations with curators at the Strong Museum of Play , Richard and Chris talk with Michelle Parnett-Dwyer who oversees the doll collection. From the Edison talking doll to the newly inducted American Girl dolls, they discuss the history, significance and evolution of dolls in the culture and the collection. In The En...

Richard and Chris are joined by John Baulch of Toy World UK and James Zahn of The Toy Book to talk about the major issues of 2021: supply chain, consumer buying, inflation, toy fairs, and much more. In this lively conversation, four of the toy industry's top thought leaders share their perspectives and insights on one of the most challenging years the toy industry has face and their outlook for wh...

Richard and Chris talk with Dan Yac carino, author, artist and creator of such shows as Oswald the Octopus and the Backyardigans. They talk about Dan's career, the state of kids' content and much more.  In The Endcap, Chris and Richard talk about the new Toys "R" Us, its potential and what success could mean for the business and invite CEO Yehuda Shmidman to come on the show and talk about hi...

Richard and Chris talk with Christian Ulrich, one of the directors of the Spielwarenmesse, aka The Nuremberg Toy Fair, about the fair, what's ahead, what's new, outlook for attendance and, of course, safety protocols.  In the Endcap, Chris has another One-Minute Toy Story. He tells how the classic game Twister almost didn't happen. The Playground Podcast is supported by Global Toy Experts , T...

Listen in as Richard and Chris talk with Ryan Rollo, COO of Channel Key as they discuss the evolution of Amazon as a merchandising and advertising program and the ways in which toy companies can maximize their Amazon selling and promotion strategies. Channel Key has helped companies of all sizes grow their businesses exponentially on the platform (and Walmart.com, too), and Rollo shares insights,...

In this brief, special episode Richard and Chris remember Hasbro CEO Brian Goldner and discuss his impact on the toy industry, past, present and future.  The Playground Podcast is supported by Global Toy Experts , The Toy Guy , and ChizComm .

Richard and Chris talk with industry veteran Jennifer Caveza who has just taken over as chair of the toy design department at Otis College of Art and Design in Los Angeles. In this lively and entertaining conversation, Jennifer talks about her career, the school's success rate, the dynamic internship program and much more. This is must-listening for anyone interested in hearing about the most comp...

Richard and Chris talk with Deirdre Cross, VP Funko Games, about the growth of the company, game development, licensing, and much more. In this spirited conversation, Deirdre talks about the hits, the misses and life in a game studio, now a part of Funko.  In The Endcap, Chris and Richard remember industry icon Reuben Klamer, all he contributed to the toy industry over the better part of a ce...

Richard and Chris talk to Jim Pressman about his career spanning multiple decades--and the family company begun by his father in 1922. This is essential oral history about the toy industry, about Jim and both his parents who were dedicated toy people as well as how the company evolved through its sale to Goliath. You won't want to miss Jim's great storytelling and the tales behind a 20th Century s...

Richard and Chris talk with Rob Gardner, founder and CEO of Joovy about the growth of his business, trends in the infant category and the changing marketplace as Gen-Z parents emerge as an economic force.  In The Endcap, Chris and Richard talk about Just In Time inventory management and how implementation since the 1970s may have played a role in the current supply chain disruptions...and wha...

Listen in to a frank conversation about the current status of the industry with Steve Pasierb, president and CEO of the Toy Association. Richard and Chris discuss the status of Toy Fairs in Dallas and New York (2022), as well as the growing importance of Los Angeles as a permanent and temporary location for the industry. Pasierb addresses the current shipping crisis, as well as current legal and p...

In the second part of our interview with Jeremey Padawer of Jazwares, Richard and Chris talk about his role and passion as a collector. Understanding collecting as an investment and an asset class, Padawer has become one of the leading collectors of Pokémon in the world. He talks about his analysis of what to collect, how to project long-term value, and how companies can effectively develop collec...

Jeremy Padawer, a partner in Jazwares, talks with Richard and Chris about his stellar career that began in a kids' store when he was 16, progressed through Mattel and Jakks Pacific and later in Wicked Cool Toys, which was acquired by Jazwares.  Padawer brings his unique sensibility and great personality to an insightful conversation that covers his career, the current market situation, and th...

Richard and Chris talk with Andy Weiner, of Toyn Around. Weiner is a 46-year veteran of the toy industry currently chairing the Toy Industry Foundation. They discuss the latest initiatives of the foundation, including diversity and outreach and talk about Andy's incredible career spanning four decades, the changes he's seen...and what he sees ahead. In the Endcap, Chris and Richard talk about big...